The Washington Football Team had one glaring weakness on defense in 2020. Despite having arguably the top defensive line in the NFL, the Football Team struggled at linebacker.
In a new mock draft by Pro Football Focus, Washington gets the top linebacker in Penn State’s Micah Parsons at No. 19 overall to fill that need.
As far as pure talent, Parsons is one of the top 10 players in the 2021 NFL draft. While many have felt he would be the top defender taken, that is no longer a certainty with some teams having concern about Parsons’ maturity.
So, while it seemed unthinkable Parsons could slip to No. 19 in January, that possibly does exist three days before the first round begins.
Here’s what PFF had to say about Parsons to Washington:
Parsons was at one point the betting favorite to be the first defender chosen, and while he has since fallen off, there is a relatively good reason for it. However, his statistical comps when looking at coverage include Bobby Wagner and Fred Warner, two off-ball linebackers that we’ll all argue matter.
Washington coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio are former standout linebackers in the NFL. They realize the team needs a dynamic playmaker in the middle and Parsons fits that mold.
If Parsons does slip to No. 19, it’s difficult to imagine Washington not selecting him.